Rising electricity costs in Cape Town have sparked community unrest, with activists warning of escalating protests across various neighborhoods. The recent demonstration in Lavender Hill highlights a growing frustration among residents, reflecting broader concerns that could lead to widespread civil action. 

Guest: Mark Schrikker: community activist 

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently met with billionaire Elon Musk in New York, amid excitement in South Africa over the potential launch of Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. The meeting, which took place during the UN General Debate, was described as positive, with discussions centered on Musk’s possible investment in South Africa. 

Guest: Jan Vermuelan: Editor, My Broadband 

The recent snowstorm that swept through parts of South Africa has raised significant concerns about its impact on the agricultural sector, particularly in key regions like KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape. Farmers are facing challenges that could have lasting repercussions on their operations. 

Guest: Gernie Botha Vrystaat: Free State Organised Agriculture 

The Government of National Unity has been in office for just over 100 days, marked by notable disunity among its 10-party coalition despite promises to prioritise public interests. However, amidst these challenges, South Africans are displaying a cautious optimism about the potential for collaboration and progress. 

Guest: Dr Harlan Cloete: Governance Expert & Research Fellow, University of Free State 

The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) has expressed outrage following reports that Mlungisi Makhanya, president of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was allegedly poisoned by state agents of Mswati's regime. This incident, which has drawn parallels to the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, raises significant concerns about human rights violations and state-sponsored violence. 

Guest: Lucky Lukhele: Spokesperson 

 

Guest: Siphiwe Dlamini: SANDF Spokesperson 

 

Guest: Nosizwe Nokwe Macamo: PRASA Board Chairperson  

International: Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has announced the country's readiness to resume nuclear negotiations, coinciding with his visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This development comes amid increased regional tensions and a recent shift in Iran's leadership towards a more moderate approach. 

Guest: Naeem Jeenah: Senior Researcher: Humanity at Mistra 

In light of the recent tragic incident involving the death of a hiker at Table Mountain, we explore the current safety and security measures in place within the park. This event has intensified concerns about crime and safety in the area, prompting SANParks to implement new regulations and collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance security. We will examine the steps being taken to ensure the safety of park visitors and restore their sense of security.  

Guest: Mr JP Louw: SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson 

 

Afrika Update Report  

24 September 2024 

1. UNGA@79- Afrika – South Afrika 

Africa still needs money to implement lofty international goals, but South Africa's seat at the G20 can help. 

This was the substance of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat's address at the Summit of the Future in New York, where the world adopted an optimistic agenda covering peace and security, global governance, sustainable development, climate change mitigation, digital cooperation, human rights, gender parity, and young people and future generations. 

 

1. Sudan- Omdurman- Merowe

Sudan's ex-leader General Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted from power several years ago, has been moved from a jail north of Omdurman to Merowe hospital, which is situated some 450 kilometres away from the capital Khartoum. 

 

1. Somalia- Ethiopia – Egypt 

Somalia accused Ethiopia of smuggling weapons amid fears that arms going into the conflict-riven Horn of Africa nation could end up in the hands of Islamist militants. 

The neighbours traded barbs a day after an Egyptian warship unloaded heavy weaponry in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, the second shipment since a security pact in August. 

 

1. Burkina Faso – Ivory Coast- Niger 

Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said on national television that “individuals residing in Cote d'Ivoire and Niger have been involved in subversive activities against the state of Burkina Faso” 

1. In our historical archives, it was on this day 25 September 1977 when the funeral of Steve Bantu Biko was held in King Williams’s Town, Eastern Cape. 

Thirteen Western nations sent diplomats to the funeral of Steve Biko on 25 September 1977 

Police actions prevented thousands of mourners from reaching the funeral from Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and other areas. The police, convoys from leaving the three main cities on the grounds that in permits; while roadblocks nearer King William's Town turned back of cars and many buses, as South African police in camouflage uniforms and security policemen were stationed on all major roads leading into the town on 24 and 25 September. 

Source : No.46 - Steve Biko by Hilda Bernstein, 1978, South Africa